Sedentary behavior, unhealthy food consumption and dental caries in 12-year-old schoolchildren: a population-based study.

Rafael Aiello Bomfim,Antonio Carlos Frias,Luiz Eugênio Nigro Mazzilli,Andreia Morales Cascaes,Fernanda Campos De Almeida Carrer,Luciana Bronzi De Souza,Maria Ercília De Araújo

doi:10.1590/1807-3107bor-2021.vol35.0041

Abstract

This study analyzed the association between sedentary behavior (SB), unhealthy food consumption, and dental caries amongst 12-year-old schoolchildren. An epidemiological survey was carried out in the five largest cities (> 80,000 inhabitants) of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Data were collected on decayed, missing and filled teeth index (DMFT), sociodemographic characteristics, SB, unhealthy food consumption, and water fluoridation status. The analysis was based on the theoretical framework established by J Sisson. Structural equation models were performed to test the association of dental caries experience with sociodemographic, contextual, and behavioral factors. The mean DMFT index in the five cities was 1.02 (95%CI: 0.39-1.66). Higher sedentary behavior (more than 2 hours/day) [standardized coefficient (SC) = 0.21 95%CI: 0.07-0.39] and higher unhealthy food consumption (more than 4 times/week) [SC = 0.23 (0.10-0.45)] were associated with higher DMFT index than their counterparts. Also, cities with fluoridated water were associated with lower DMFT index [SC = -0.85 (-1.20--0.50)]. Families who had a per capita income above the poverty line had a direct association with unhealthy food consumption [SC = -0.24 (-0.38--0.11)]. Unhealthy food consumption mediated the association of sedentary behavior on DMFT index [SC=0.07 (0.02-0.13)]. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the findings. Sedentary behavior mediated by unhealthy food consumption had a significant association with dental caries experience. Public policies must address transdisciplinary actions to reduce sedentary behavior and unhealthy food consumption and promote water fluoridation.

Highlights

Submitted: February 20, 2020 Accepted for publication: October 20, 2020 Last revision: December 14, 2020The widespread use of social media and the internet brought benefits such as greater access to information, especially among children and adolescents
The objective of the present study was to verify the associations between sedentary behavior, unhealthy food consumption, and dental caries among schoolchildren participating in a population-based study conducted in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
As we have four main domains (TV, games, internet, and sitting), we considered the sum of all domains being ≥ 2 hs/day to classify the schoolchildren as having sedentary behavior

Summary

Introduction

Submitted: February 20, 2020 Accepted for publication: October 20, 2020 Last revision: December 14, 2020The widespread use of social media and the internet brought benefits such as greater access to information, especially among children and adolescents. In Brazil, the mean score of DMFT index in 12 year-old children has reduced from 2.8 in 2003 to 2.1 in 2010. These improvements have benefited more the groups with higher socioeconomic status.[11,12] Most of the improvements have been attributed to better living conditions and stronger oral health policies, improving water fluoridation and fluorides in toothpaste.[13]

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Conclusion